Senior Management Team

Current vacancies

We currently have three vacancies for positions on the Senior Management Team. Please note that these are internal vacancies open only to current University of Aberdeen staff.

All applications should be sent via email to Lisa.Sutherland-George@abdn.ac.uk along with a cover letter and CV. The roles will close at midday on 3 December. Shortlisting will take place at the beginning of December. Interviews for the Provost role will take place on 17 December. Interviews for the Vice-Principal positions are scheduled for 7 and 8 January.

Provost

The Provost acts as the University’s Chief Academic Officer and is accountable to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor (and in turn to the University Court); they are responsible for driving the highest standards of academic excellence across the University. Along with the other members of the Senior Management Team, the Provost will assist the Principal in achieving the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategic priorities.

The Provost will provide direct leadership to all areas of academic delivery through the line-management of Heads of School; this includes strategic oversight of the delivery of School plans and their budgets. They will work closely with other members of the Senior Management Team to ensure that Schools deliver against institutional KPIs around education, the student experience, research and innovation.   

The Provost will provide executive leadership on strategic planning matters, including the ongoing development and monitoring of the University’s Aberdeen 2040 Strategy and oversight of institutional strategic planning processes. They will provide strategic oversight of the University’s People Strategy, working to maintain positive relationships with our campus trade unions and wider staff body.

Download the full role details here.

Vice-Principal (Global Engagement & Partnerships)

Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Principal (Global Engagement & Partnerships) will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of the University’s global vision and strategy, and for developing, monitoring, and meeting institutional targets for global engagement activity, including institutional partnerships and Transnational Education (TNE).

The Vice-Principal (Global Engagement & Partnerships) will be responsible for establishing and leading the University’s relationships with key global partners. This will include the University’s strategic alliances and partnerships, network memberships and affiliations. They will network extensively and represent the University with national and international bodies to boost the University’s academic performance and global reputation.

The Vice-Principal (Global Engagement & Partnerships) will drive delivery of those aspects of the Aberdeen 2040 Strategy relating to relevant global and international activities. Working with the Heads of School, Professional Services teams, and Deans, they will lead on the creation, implementation and delivery of the University’s Global Strategy and the achievement of the related Aberdeen 2040 commitments. They will support the development of School Plans to ensure alignment with institutional strategy.

The Vice-Principal (Global Engagement & Partnerships) will be supported in their role by the Dean for International Partnership Development, Dean for International Student Recruitment and staff across the Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment. 

Download the full role details here.

Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation)

Reporting to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) will be responsible for leading all aspects of institutional strategy and policy in relation to the University’s enterprise, innovation and civic engagement activities, including support for our local, and regional, partnerships. Along with the other members of the Senior Management Team, the Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) will assist the Principal in achieving the University’s Aberdeen 2040 strategic priorities.

The Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that new ventures, regional initiatives and developments are in line with the wider institutional strategy. The effective delivery of the portfolio will rely heavily on close working relationships with members of the wider University leadership team and a range of external partners and collaborators. The Vice-Principal will support the development of School Plans to embed relevant activity and interventions to ensure alignment with institutional strategy.

The Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement & Innovation) will be supported in their role by the Dean for Enterprise and Innovation and staff across the Directorate of Research and Innovation, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement team, and other professional service teams as required.

Download the full role details here.

Purpose

While SMT has been meeting since August 2018, from August 2019 it formally assumed the responsibilities of the University Management Group (UMG).

The Senior Management Team ensures the effective leadership, co-ordination and management of the University's activities. In particular, it acts as the formal executive decision-making body of the University and ensures that all University initiatives are considered, approved, implemented and monitored in line with (i) the University's strategic, regulatory and policy framework and (ii) recognised best practice guidelines. It is fundamental in the dissemination of information to internal and external stakeholders and in supporting monitoring of the performance of Schools and Professional Services in line with the University's strategic vision as approved by the University Court.

Remit

• To ensure the implementation of activities to deliver the Aberdeen 2040 strategy and Commitments and approve business for onward consideration by Court, the Policy and Resources Committee including, where appropriate, Senate and other sub-committees of Court.
• To oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of planning activities across (i) Schools, Professional Services Directorates and (ii) external collaborative activities in line with the institutional strategic direction approved by the University Court
• To monitor and ensure the delivery of agreed institutional financial plans, targets and budgets as approved by the University Court.
• To have lead responsibility at an executive level for the University's Risk Management processes, including monitoring and reviewing the institutional Strategic Risk Register and ensuring mitigating actions are taken.
• To support the development, implementation and monitoring of the University's academic performance (education and research), making recommendations for continuing enhancement and improvements as required.
• To ensure the effective oversight and monitoring of management committee activities (i.e. committees which are not sub-committees of Court or Senate), including (i) approving their establishment/abolition, (ii) approving amendments to their remits and/or compositions and (iii) receiving reports.
• To have responsibility for formal oversight of City and Regional Engagement and formally receive reports from the Regional Engagement Group.
• To consider proposals for the prioritisation of capital expenditure and oversee property transactions.
• To ensure a proactive approach to horizon scanning, both within and beyond the HE sector, and to respond effectively to policies set by the SFC and other relevant regulatory/stakeholder bodies.
• To provide a forum for information sharing amongst the team.

Composition and Quorum

Chair:

• Principal

Clerk:

• Head of Principal's Office

Ex officiis:

• Senior Vice-Principal
• All Vice-Principals
• Chief Governance Officer and University Secretary
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Director of People

In attendance:

• University Officers to be invited to attend as and when required.

Quorum:

• 50% of formal membership (including Chair)

Membership 2025-26

Reporting Line and Interface with Other Committees

A management committee whose business may proceed to committees of Senate and Court.

Frequency and Timing of Meetings

SMT will normally meet on a weekly basis. Additional meetings may be called at the Principal's discretion if urgent business arises outwith the normal cycle.

Publication of Papers

Cognisance will be taken of the University's Publication Scheme.

Date Establishment/revision of remit of Committee approved/recorded by SMT

Assumption of remit from UMG, 1 August 2019.